Speeches

Training

Pak scholar to speak on Sufism in dargah

AJMER: Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, Pakistani Sufi scholar and founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran
International (an NGO), is expected to deliver a speech on Sufism in the dargah
here on Tuesday. This will be the first time that a Pakistani scholar will talk
on religious matters here.

Qadri, who is currently touring India, attended a function in Hyderabad on Sunday.
The intelligence department has tightened the security for his Ajmer visit. Qadri
is expected to reach Ajmer early on Tuesday morning. Reliable sources said, "He
will first offer prayers at the dargah and then deliver his speech. Though the authorities
have not disclosed Qadri's programme but sources have confirmed his visit to Ajmer.

Sources added that earlier it was discussed with the state authorities to fix
a bigger venue for the occasion since a huge number of people are expected to attend
Qadri's speech. Patel Stadium was considered but finally dargah was decided as the
venue. Later in the evening, Qadri is also expected to participate in 'Eid Milanudabi'
where every devotee is invited.

The Pakistani Sufi scholar became popular when in October 2010 he spoke on 'Jihad'
in Europe and cleared religious aspects for the younger generation. "He is helping
in spreading the teachings of Sufism. Sufism is what we need today," said a local
Muslim scholar. Sources said that the people and the Muslim community are eager
to hear Qadri during his Ajmer visit.

Qadri's moderate views have annoyed the extremists and therefore intelligence
agency is taking no chances with his security.